Many homeowners overlook the space above their kitchen cabinets, treating it as an afterthought or leaving it empty. Yet, that small gap between the cabinets and ceiling offers a fantastic opportunity to add character and warmth to your kitchen. Whether you want to display elegant décor, add storage, or create a more cohesive look, this often-neglected area can completely transform your kitchen’s style. For those working on kitchen renovations brisbane northside, styling the top of cabinets can be the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together beautifully.
This article explores creative, practical, and stylish ways to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets from minimalist designs to eye-catching displays, while keeping balance, functionality, and safety in mind.
Why the Space Above Kitchen Cabinets Matters
The space above your kitchen cabinets isn’t just empty real estate; it plays a key role in your kitchen’s visual harmony. Decorating it can have a powerful impact on the overall feel of the room.
1. Adds Depth and Dimension
When you decorate the top of your cabinets thoughtfully, you create visual height and dimension in your kitchen. It helps make the space feel layered, warm, and complete rather than stark or unfinished.
2. Balances Tall Ceilings
In kitchens with high ceilings, the gap above cabinets can make the space feel disproportionate. Using decor in this area draws the eye upward, creating a balanced and cohesive look.
3. Personalizes the Space
Adding personal touches from art to plants reflects your personality and makes your kitchen feel more inviting and lived-in.
4. Enhances the Style Theme
Whether your kitchen design leans toward modern minimalism, rustic farmhouse, or chic contemporary, your cabinet-top decor can enhance that theme with color, texture, and accessories.
Step 1: Assess Your Kitchen Layout and Style
Before decorating, take a good look at your kitchen’s layout, color scheme, and available space. The key to great design is harmony. Your cabinet-top décor should complement the rest of the kitchen rather than clash with it.
Ask yourself:
- Is your kitchen traditional or modern?
- Do you want a cozy or open look?
- How high is the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling?
For smaller gaps, consider minimalist designs like a few coordinated items or lighting. For larger spaces, you can use more substantial decorations or layered groupings.
Step 2: Keep Proportion and Scale in Mind
One of the biggest mistakes people make when decorating above their cabinets is using pieces that are too small. The space requires items large enough to be visible from below but not so large that they overwhelm the kitchen.
- For large gaps: Use tall vases, framed artwork, or large statement decor items.
- For smaller spaces: Opt for sleek plants, smaller baskets, or subtle lighting strips.
- For long stretches of cabinets: Group items in odd numbers (sets of 3 or 5) for a balanced, natural look.
Remember: less is often more. It’s better to have a few impactful pieces than a cluttered collection.
Step 3: Choose a Design Theme
Selecting a consistent theme will help your decorations feel intentional and cohesive. Here are some popular styles to inspire you:
1. Rustic Farmhouse
This style pairs well with wooden accents, galvanized metal containers, and greenery. Think old milk jugs, wicker baskets, or ceramic roosters for a classic country charm.
2. Modern Minimalist
If you prefer simplicity, choose neutral tones and clean lines. A few elegant sculptures, matte vases, or LED strip lighting can enhance the minimalist appeal.
3. Vintage or Eclectic
Combine old and new elements, antique clocks, old kitchenware, or retro signage. Mixing materials like glass, brass, and wood creates a lived-in, character-filled vibe.
4. Green and Natural
Indoor plants, faux greenery, and hanging vines can bring freshness to the space. Greenery softens the look and pairs beautifully with wood or white cabinetry.
5. Luxury Chic
Go for metallic finishes, stylish pottery, or coordinated ceramic sets. Gold accents, mirrors, or elegant art pieces can make your kitchen look upscale and refined.
Step 4: Use Lighting to Highlight Your Decor
Lighting can dramatically enhance the way your cabinet-top decor looks, especially in the evenings.
LED Strip Lights
Install LED light strips along the top of your cabinets to cast a soft glow upward. These lights add ambiance and emphasize the height of your space.
Puck Lights
Small puck lights can spotlight specific decorations like art or plants, creating a sophisticated look.
Warm or Cool Lighting
Match the light color to your kitchen’s palette. Warm lighting suits rustic and cozy kitchens, while cool white lighting complements modern and sleek designs.
Lighting not only highlights decor but also adds functional illumination for a welcoming kitchen atmosphere.
Step 5: Add Greenery for a Natural Touch
Plants bring life and vibrancy to your kitchen, and the space above your cabinets is ideal for displaying them.
Faux vs. Real Plants
If your kitchen doesn’t get much natural light, faux plants are a great low-maintenance alternative. Choose high-quality artificial greenery that looks realistic.
Best Plants for Cabinet Tops
- Pothos
- Spider plants
- English ivy
- Snake plants
- Small succulents in decorative pots
For faux options, cascading vines can create a beautiful draping effect that softens sharp cabinet edges.
Step 6: Display Functional Yet Stylish Storage
The top of your cabinets doesn’t have to be purely decorative. You can make the space useful while keeping it stylish.
Decorative Baskets and Boxes
Wicker or fabric baskets provide hidden storage for rarely used kitchen items while maintaining a neat appearance. Choose containers that match your kitchen’s color scheme.
Glass Jars and Canisters
If you love open-concept designs, display glass jars filled with pasta, grains, or dried herbs. It adds both texture and practicality.
Wooden Crates
Stack small wooden crates or trays for a rustic feel. You can fill them with cookbooks, bottles, or seasonal decor.
By combining storage and design, you make your kitchen both functional and visually appealing.
Step 7: Incorporate Artwork and Decorative Objects
Artwork and decorative items can add personality and color above your cabinets.
Framed Prints or Photos
Choose food-themed artwork, vintage signs, or minimalist prints that complement your kitchen’s theme. Lean them against the wall for a casual look.
Ceramic or Glass Vases
Tall vases with dried flowers or decorative twigs add height and interest. Glass pieces also reflect light beautifully.
Sculptures or Figurines
A few well-chosen sculptures or pottery items can make a bold statement. Avoid overcrowding, leave some breathing space between each piece.
Seasonal Decor
Rotate items based on the season: fresh flowers in spring, pumpkins in autumn, or festive lights in winter. This keeps your kitchen looking dynamic and refreshed.
Step 8: Add Texture and Layers
The key to a well-decorated cabinet top is layering. Combine different materials wood, metal, glass, and greenery to create texture and depth.
Example combinations:
- Wooden tray + ceramic vase + green plant
- Glass bottles + metal lanterns + framed print
- Woven basket + cookbooks + candle holder
Play around with heights and shapes until the display feels balanced and visually interesting.
Step 9: Keep It Clean and Easy to Maintain
The area above cabinets tends to collect dust and grease over time. To keep your decorations looking fresh:
- Dust regularly: Wipe items at least once a month using a microfiber cloth.
- Avoid heavy fabrics: They attract dust faster than smooth surfaces.
- Use washable decor: Choose materials that can be easily wiped down.
- Line the cabinet tops: Place a removable liner or shelf paper to catch dust and make cleaning easier.
Keeping your décor tidy ensures it enhances your kitchen rather than becoming a maintenance headache.
Step 10: Know When to Leave It Bare
Sometimes, the best design choice is simplicity. If your kitchen has minimal space between the cabinets and ceiling, or if your style leans toward clean modernism, leaving the tops bare can make your kitchen look sleek and uncluttered.
Instead of decor, you might consider subtle enhancements like crown molding or ambient lighting to achieve a polished, intentional look without extra objects.
Bonus Tip: Extend Your Cabinetry to the Ceiling
If you’re in the process of remodeling or planning to remodel, you could eliminate the gap by extending your cabinets to the ceiling. This creates a seamless look, adds storage, and simplifies cleaning.
Cabinets that reach the ceiling give a custom, high-end appearance perfect for those who prefer a modern and refined aesthetic. Adding decorative trim or molding at the top can further enhance the overall finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Decorating above your cabinets can easily go wrong if not done thoughtfully. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Overcrowding: Too many items can make the space feel cluttered.
- Ignoring scale: Tiny objects get lost visually in tall spaces.
- Random decor: Without a consistent theme or color palette, the area can look disorganized.
- Neglecting lighting: Poor lighting makes even the best decor fade into the background.
- Using delicate items: Avoid fragile decor in hard-to-reach places.
Keep your arrangement simple, intentional, and cohesive for the best results.
Conclusion
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your kitchen’s design. Whether you’re adding natural greenery, stylish baskets, warm lighting, or statement art, this space can bring personality and depth to your home.
The key is balance. Choose decor that complements your kitchen’s style, maintain proper proportions, and keep the area clean and clutter-free. From rustic farmhouse charm to modern minimalism, there’s an approach that fits every taste and space.
So take a fresh look at that space above your cabinets, it’s not wasted room, but a creative canvas waiting to enhance your kitchen’s beauty and make it truly your own.